Kimchi Fried Rice Recipe

I'm already on record as a fried ricefanatic. So, why do I keep writing about it? I just keep finding strange variations which completely change the final product. Even kimchi fried rice, which I've written about twicebefore, is not immune to this kind of tinkering. Sure, many of the ingredients of this version carry over from the previous two, but the finished dish couldn't look more different.

This version from Bap Story takes a page from bibimbap, serving a whole fried egg on top instead of mixing it in during the cooking process.

But there are other wonderful additions here that bump up the flavor. Butter, an ingredient that I've seen used often on various Korean food blogs, adds a creamy balance to each bite. Scallions are always welcome, but a final sprinkling of crushed seaweed adds an unexpected final flourish to this great variation.

Yield:4 people

Active time:30 min

Total time:30 min

Ingredients

3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided

4 cups kimchi, chopped

1 tablespoon butter

1 tablespoon red pepper paste (gochujang)

4 cups cool cooked white rice, preferably a day old

1 tablespoon sesame oil

4 eggs

sesame seasoned seaweed, crushed

4 scallions, green parts only, chopped

black pepper

Directions

1.

Pour two tablespoons of the oil into a large skillet or wok and turn the heat to medium. When oil starts to shimmer, add the kimchi. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the kimchi is heated through, about two minutes. Add the butter and the red pepper paste. Stir well until both are incorporated.

2.

Add the rice, breaking up any clumps with a wooden spoon. Stir until it is evenly mixed in with the kimchi. Pour the sesame oil on top of this mixture. Spread the rice and kimchi out as much as possible in an even layer, and let cook for a few minutes until it gets a little crispy on the bottom. Turn off the heat, and divide the mixture between four bowls.

3.

Pour the remaining one tablespoon of oil into a non-stick skillet set over medium-high heat. When shimmering, crack in the eggs, cover the skillet, and cook until the whites have set. When each is done, use a spatula and set one egg on top of each bowl of rice. Garnish with the crushed seaweed, scallions, and black pepper. Serve immediately.